resignation

[rez-ig-ney-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of resigning.

   Synonyms: abdication

2. a formal statement, document, etc., stating that one gives up an office, position, etc.

   Synonyms: abdication

3. an accepting, unresisting attitude, state, etc.; submission; acquiescence.

   to meet one's fate with resignation.

   Synonyms: forbearance, compliance, patience
   Antonyms: recalcitrance

resignation

/ ˌrɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of resigning

2. a formal document stating one's intention to resign

3. a submissive unresisting attitude; passive acquiescence

Other Word Forms

• nonresignation noun
• proresignation adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resignation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin resignātiōn-, stem of resignātiō “cancellation, rescinding,” from Latin resignāt(us) “canceled” (past participle of resignāre “to open, release, cancel”; resign ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Ms Monarez's sacking led to a fresh wave of resignations at the agency as senior staff continue to walk out.

From BBC

The Reform leader took to the stage for his keynote conference speech three hours earlier than planned after Rayner announced her resignation.

From BBC

Her resignation is expected to trigger a big reshuffle of ministers at the top of government.

From BBC

Days before her resignation, the prime minister mounted a full-throated defence of Rayner, hailing her a "great story of British success" who gave working-class children "a real sense of aspiration".

From BBC

Other questions, such as the impact of Rayner's resignation on the government's popularity, will take longer to answer.

From BBC

Related Words

• departure 
• retirement 
• surrender 
• termination 
• withdrawal 

When To Use

What does resignation mean?

Resignation is the act of resigning—quitting one’s job or giving up one’s position.In this context, it can also refer to the formal statement or document that announces a person’s intention to resign. This sense of the word is often used with the verb tender, meaning to formally offer or present, as in I’ve tendered my resignation, effective immediately. It can also be used as a modifier, as in resignation letter.Resignation can also mean an accepting, unresisting attitude or state of submission, as in There is a sense of resignation in the room now that most of the votes are in and there doesn’t appear to be any path to victory. Example: Several senior officials have tendered their resignations, but it’s unclear whether they will be accepted.